Donald L. DeMarco, 78 of Lynnfield, formerly of Malden, passed on July 8, 2026, at The Kaplan house following a lengthy illness.

Born, raised, and educated in Malden, MA, Donald continued his education at Suffolk University where he earned his bachelor’s degree. An avid baseball player, Donald played collegiately and was inducted into the Suffolk University Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017 alongside his 1970 teammates. Away from the field, Donald was a diehard fan of both college and professional football with The New England Patriots being his favorite team.

Following college, Donald worked as finance manager before founding DeMarco Produce with his brother Charlie. Initially operating out of the New England Produce Center, Demarco Produce would go on to open a brick-and-mortar location, Rosebud Farms, on Commercial Street in his hometown Malden. Together, Donald and Charlie built a thriving business where the employees and customers became family.

When not at Rosebud Farms, Donald spent much of his time delivering produce to the various fairs throughout New England along with his wife Donna. As a member of the New England Showman’s association, fair season was what he looked forward to the most. While he enjoyed every fair, Topsfield was his favorite. When off the clock at Topsfield, Donald was often found enjoying a famous Bucchino sausage from his good friend Paul “The Duke” Bucchino.

Outside of work, Donald’s true passion was bass fishing. He could often be found on the water of lakes all over New England where he was affectionately known as Donald Duck amongst his fishing buddies. His favorite pastime often brought him and his friends to Florida and Mexico in search of “the big catch”

Following his retirement from DeMarco Produce, Donald, and his wife Donna, spent every winter snow birding at Bradstrom Village in Naples, FL where he made many lifelong friends. He enjoyed early Florida mornings in the poolside lanai listening to his favorite radio shows while reading The Naples Daily News.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Donna Altavilla DeMarco. Brother of Rosemary King and her husband Keith, and Charles DeMarco and his wife Donna. Brother in Law of Janis Breslin and her Husband George. Uncle to Stephanie DeMarco, Michael DeMarco and his wife Mikaila, Kristen Cummings and her husband Richard, and Ryan Breslin. He is also survived by many grand nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is predeceased by his mother Catherine (Haley) DeMarco, and his father Louis DeMarco and his wife Dodie.

Donald will be remembered for his strong work ethic, loyalty, sense of humor, and the lasting friendships he cultivated throughout his life. His unmistakable Donald Duck impression will remain a cherished memory and will be deeply missed.

Funeral will be held from the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Wednesday July 15th at 9:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Donald's life in Saint Joseph's Church, 770 Salem Street, Malden at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00pm-7:00pm. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Donald's memory may be made to the Pan-Mass Challenge's Jimmy Fund, a cause that was meaningful to him and his family. https://egifts.pmc.org/cd0010